Sunday, March 20, 2011

I thought I was all set to go! I thought that once again I had out smarted the Ch*nese Govt! BUT I was wrong!I have a VPN but can't get it to hook up anywhere ;-(Wish they wouldn't have blocked the blogs. We need our friends back home and others that are adopting need to see what happens while on the adoption journey. Friends and families need to follow along BUT NOOOOoooooo that cannot happen as long as blogger is blocked.I am sure that some of you could figure this out but I am technically challenged and don't have a clue what to do. So I have decided to problem solve and move while we are inChinato -journeytome.comclick on journals and then click on "Our Journey to Ava Marie and Samuel Jacob"I'm sorry friends that I couldn't figure it out but I need to journal this wonderful experience and share with those that are interested!It's therapeutic for me to write about the days activities, joys and challenges.I hope that you can follow along with us on the Journey to Me site!I am really going to miss not being able to see your blogs ;-(I was planning to do that in the evening after the kids went to bed.I will try to catch up once we are home!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

We got to the airport on Thursdayin time to find out that our flight was going to leave 4 hours late, which meant we would not make our connection in Seattle. They were able to rebook us on a flight that went from Chicagoto Beijing! We arrived 2.5 hours later than originally planned and everything went as smooth as could be!! So very thankful!!Today was spent visiting friends and the children at their care center!

This little guy is up for adoption! I hear he is on the CCAI waiting child list! He is as cute as can be!

So is this sweetie but I am not sure which agency or list. If you have seen her please let us know so we can get the word out! She is so cute, has a ton of hair and kissable cheeks!

Sarah loved all the babies! As soon as we left she said she wanted to go back again!

Jet lag set in during the late afternoon so we had to call it a day.If you have not visited the Morning Star blog- please do- it is on my sidebar! It is so amazing to see these children who have been so sick, who would have surely died but are now thriving, joyful children waiting for families. Only God could have done this!

A day before leaving I came down with a cold. God was so good and took away the body aches but now it has turned into laryngitis- there is nothing left of my voice and we meet Ava and Sam in less than 48 hours. Please pray that my voice returns and that I am back to myself as soon as possible!

Thank you and God Bless you!(Sally is blogging for me! Thank you Sally!! The VPN is not working- so bummed. Hoping it will work in GZ!)

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

I have never downloaded a video- so I am hoping this works out okay! Ava is in the front row in a pink jacket! Oh my- I love that little girl!! Her smile is contagious! Be still my heart!

Okay- you guys are hysterical- Iam lovin the van comments!

I would happily advertise feminine hygiene products on the van for $500/ month - the older kids already won't go near it and the younger kids have no clue ;-)

The van is growing on me, kinda... Once we have 6 it will grow on me even more!!

Are we ready to go to China???

NO! Hubby hasn't even started packing but no worries- he says he can pack in 2 hours! Yikes, I hope so!

My oh my, things have changed- we were ultra ready for Anna... very ready for Sarah... ready for Emma and Ellie... ahhhhh, we'll be just fine this time! Ready?? When we leave for the airport we will be ready or not!!

The dog- Mia... has decided to eat some non edible item and throw up every hour. We're takin her in to the vet tomorrow morning, (since we have so much extra time on our hands... not)!

Johnny feels like he needs to take Vanna to school- as in carpool with umteen kids! Kinda like the clowns endlessly leaving the VW beetle! I'm thinking I have perfectly installed all carseats and we should leave her as is... I am guessing I'm gonna lose this one!

Daylight savings time has not worked well for us- I was all excited to gain an hour until I found out we don't gain an hour- we lose one! Oh my I'm guessing I will not do well with gaining... how many hours... 13... or are we losing 13 hours?! Yikes, either way!

Hubby and I have started a new thing- instead of a written list of thing to do! I just endlessly call him and leave messages of items to add to the list!! We'll see if it works! ;-)

Okay- off to bed- tomorrow is a new day... the last full day and we have to be ready!!

Thank you for your prayers!! They are so appreciated!!I will be blogging on my blog while in China. It may not work as well as hoped from the province capital but we will try!! Can't wait!! Anna says she will be a big sister to Ava and Sam... ahhh, no Ava is older than you honey BUT you can help her learn English! Whatever!

I was not able to organize travel blogs this time. I am so sorry- just doin our best with all there is to do! Excited to meet some new families in China!! WooHooo!Thank you Jesus!!

Monday, March 14, 2011

This weekend was crazy and wonderful at the same time! We are trying to pack, get the house and the schedule ready and get all the paperwork. Johnny has two out of town soccer tournaments and spring break during the time we are gone. Everything needs to be worked out ahead of time- we will be for the most part unavailable.

This weekend he had an end of the season Basketball tourney- they won the championship!!

Mark came home for part of his spring break and we celebrated Billy's b-day!

Anna only left her jammies in time for dinner!

WE picked up the VAN! I think we will name he Vanna (White ;-). After all she is a saVanna!

We are going to love it! It will allow us to bring home more children and ride comfortably!! My heart has changed to being grateful! The kids are very excited and we already have Ava and Sam's carseat in there!!

When we got to the dealership- Hubby looked at the van in front of ours and said "Oh Honey, they added some green paint to it and now they are selling sandwiches from it! Ha- very funny!!

Everybody is starting to get used to the idea that SHE is OURS!

On Sunday evening we celebrated Billy's B-day. It's on Tuesday but that is much too close to the big travel day for me- so we got together on the weekend instead while Mark was home!

The girls are always so thrilled to see Mark! He is a novelty since he is at college and rarely gets home.He is such a kid at heart but after awhile they wear him down!

It is so heartwarming to have the kids home! We were missing big bro Matt and Caitlin. Wish they could have been here but they are on Colorado.

We all sat in the porch and chatted and played! It's our favorite gathering place!It's so nice to have this time before we leave for China!

Happy 23rd Birthday Billy! We love you!!

The weekend was wonderful but crazy busy!I wouldn't have changed a thing!Thank you Jesus!

Friday, March 11, 2011

As we prepare to bring Sam and Ava home I am reminded of the fact that these two children do not know each other... at all!

Last time we adopted two that knew each other very well- bio sibs. We were shocked at how they easily pushed each other aside for love and attention. All blood ties went out the window in order to obtain a premier spot in their new family.

It was sad. At the same time neither could stand it if the other was hurting... It was a conglomeration of emotions intertwined and very tangled...

What will we see this time as we greet 2 children that could care less about each other?I really don't know what to expect but my mind is continuously thinking of the different scenarios that could become our reality.

To us it is perfect! Two darling children wanting and needing a family! two parents passionate about the children, eager to welcome more into our home!

Why would I think it would go smoothly? Why would we even dream that they may remotely like each other? Why would I ever think they will even understand what exactly is going on? Two kids? Are these new parents going to choose between us??

Children in China know at a young age that boys are preferred and yet our Sam has not had an easy life. Boys with disabilities are the lowest of the low. Chances of us even knowing his current health status are slim. We have not been able to get an update on him for quite awhile.

Ava is in a small foster/orphanage setting. We believe she has been moved round quite a bit but have recently heard she is happy with her latest home.

There is going to be a plethora of feelings! Initially and throughout our time in China.

There are a few things we know-Two adorable children are about to get a family!They need a family, a future, love, health care and healthy food!They need to be free to be children and to get an education!They need to know their Savior- Jesus!

So despite the challenges that are ahead- Through God's blessings we can give them what they need and we can show they what it means to have a family, to have love and to have faith!

Please pray for them, for us, for the challenges and uncertainties that are ahead of all of us.Please pray that God's presence will be evident and felt.That we will feel his comfort in times of stress and need.That we will walk with Him every step of the way!Please pray for our sweet new children as this will be one of the most stressful things they have ever been through- after all who on earth are these crazy lookin people (us)!(Sarah, Emma and Ellie still talk about it- let's face it- we are scary to orphans from China!)

Their are no guarantees in life and certainly none in adoption. We deeply thank you for your prayers. We know our heavenly Father will hear them and help our sweet children as they begin a journey like no other.

Praying that you two can like and accept each other and in time will learn to love one another!

3/19- Visit friends in Beijing! Hopefully see an acrobats show in the evening!

3/20- Fly to Zhengzhou

3/21- GOTCHA day!

3/22- Complete adoption!

3/23- Free Day/Optional tours

3/24- Free day/ Optional tours

3/25- Receive passports and off to GZ!!

3/26- White Swan BKF! Physicals and Visa Photos

3/27- Organize paperwork/ Free day

3/28- TB test read/ Free day

3/29- Free Day/ Optional tours

3/30- Consulate Appt!

3/31- 9:00pm Leave GZ for LAX. Layover and try to sleep!

4/1- Flight from LA to MSP! Home Sweet Home!!

We are leaving 6 days! There is still so much to do- packing, preparing for the sitter, packing, yadda yadda yadda.

Since we have been to China a few times and seen the tourist type things we hope to do fun things with the kids on of free/optional days. If you have any ideas of things to do in Zhengzhou or GZ- please mention them in the comment section!

I was just thinking the other night- of course it was in the middle of the night that I got thinking and didn't fall back asleep- what if they went ahead and gave Sam the surgery we asked them not to. It is completely possible- they don't always listen to the perspective parents. We asked our agency to inquire about it- so hopefully we will have an answer before we leave. We may be bringing pull ups instead of ostomy supplies?

This is what we have so far for the boys room. The pic is just resting on the headboard. We need to do the finishing touches BUT to be honest that will happen once we get back! Right now we just need to focus on getting to China and getting home! And just an FYI those are waves on the night stands NOT scallops! Waves are much more manly!

The double bed works great for guests but at some point we will be putting bunks in here, too! How many? Dunno?

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The time is near. The church van is just about ready for us to pick up. I'm struggling with it, a little. Okay, okay, I'll be honest- a lot! Yes, it's nice and all. We have put a few upgrades in it but some things they just couldn't do to it. Like the sun roof or larger tires, or a heated steering wheel and the list goes on!

It will fit our ever growing family BUT there is not one thing about it that is cool.

I guess that is okay. I wasn't cool before so why should I be cool now!

My family... mainly the older kids are having quite a good time laughing at me and have made it very clear they will not be riding in it... because they are too busy laughing.

When I tell friends I usually say- go ahead laugh, it's okay. I can handle it... and then they go right ahead and laugh.

Just wait people when our little treasures come pouring out of that thing! Your gonna wish you had one too... filled with little treasures!

Friday or Saturday I'll be sayin goodbye to the Yukon XL and hello to the church van!

Monday, March 7, 2011

We/I cannot do that. Not interested in that one. It's not a fit for our family. The older children would struggle with it...

I have heard myself say this over and over again.

I am not too proud to say that I am scared to meet our new children.

Within moments of meeting Sam we will have to talk about and see his colostomy- it is not a pretty sight.

I have learned how to care for it and I'm sure I will have at least two hot flashes while changing the bag... There will be a lot of trial and error on my part. And probably a fair amount of dirty clothes due to my lack of expertise. I can only hope it will be bonding!

Do you think you can't handle it? Well, your probably right... you can't...

But God can! He can give you the tools you need to be able to handle it and to be successful at it!

It may be the best journey of your life!

It is so interesting, some of the disabilities that are on the waiting child lists I have thought were easy and yet I have had to rely on God way more than I thought I would have had to...

Others, that were an immediate no and we have been able to deal with just fine.

Yes, we have mourned and felt sad for our children's situations BUT loving them and being able to cope have come much easier than expected through prayer.

Don't try to out think yourself. YOUR child may have a disability that you thought you couldn't cope with- don't miss out on God's plan for your family! Step out in faith!

There is only one person that knows YOU better than you know yourself- trust HIM, He will not let you down!

Friday, March 4, 2011

We had our big appointment today. The one with the neuropsychologist. The one we have been waiting for- the appointment that was to going to give us all the answers.

For a moment I wondered if I really wanted to know all the answers- sometimes maybe, it's good to live with possibilities not answers.

The Dr. was excellent. Both girls were tested, it was pretty painless (they were glad there were no shots)!

There was no rocket science diagnosis, no quick fix and nothing that was completely shocking.

Basically the girls currently have low IQs and language delays. As we know IQs can change and language can be learned! It is most likely due to their previous environmental issues - malnutrition, neglect and no prenatal care.

So, now that we have this information what do we do?Exactly what we have been doing. The girls are making forward progress in everything- so keep doing it. They have been home 8 months. Give them more time to learn the necessary skills.

We both feel comfortable that the girls will improve when we return to the Doctor 6 months from now.

Our plan-We will check into the school district for next year regarding special services BUT we will not stop homeschooling. We believe they are way better off with homeschooling. We may do a few hours a day of special services- maybe or maybe not, we will see?

Conclusion-We have two beautiful daughters that love having a forever family, they love to be loved and valued, they love to learn even if it is at a slower pace, they are happy and always skipping around the house.We are blessed to have them in our family! They are a precious gift from God!! We are so thankful they are ours!

This has been a journey that I never expected to be on. This is one journey that was planned by HIM! God is calling the shots and we go where he leads us! Wonder where he is going to take us next!?!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

No CA yet. I have been hovering over my emails in hopes it would arrive. They are expecting it tomorrow.

I am just so grateful to God that we are heading to China to get these two darlins!!

The three sets of bunks are all set up and almost ready!

We still need to get a quilt on Ava's bed but will get that done soon. So are you thinking green on her bed... or pink... or green with polkas dots... or pink with polka dots?? Now you are understanding why it takes me longer than most to get anything done! We get the chamois duvets from PBK and they are so soft and easy to make- which is necessary when dealing with bunk beds! The bunk beds are from Hayneedle dot com and are very reasonably priced!

Samuel will sleep in the blue bed on the left and Sarah will be above him. Ava is straight ahead and Emma is above her. Ellie is on the top over to the right and Anna is under her!

I mentioned to them that they could split up into different rooms if they wanted too and they all shouted NO!

We had to take out the reading chair- there just wasn't enough room. To be honest- we can't fit enough kids on it anymore anyways. It has moved to the playroom.

When I read to the children I usually sit on the floor and two sit next to me and two sit behind me and look over my shoulder. Not sure what the new sitting arrangement will be with 6 but it always seems to work out! Sarah is also reading to the kids now, too! She does a great job and is very proud of herself!

The boy room is in progress. I am painting a stripe around the room... not sure how it is going to turn out? So I'm thinking even if it doesn't turn out good feel free to lie to me and say it's wonderful! ;-)

You know it will be boy(s) in there soooo if your boys are like my boys - they won't even notice how good it is or isn't!

I forgot to mention two weeks ago when we were in Phoenix for a soccer tournament- our team won! The whole thing! Pretty cool!!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

I think they will love them! The boys shoes light up! The girls sparkle day and night!

I am so excited for these two pairs of shoes to be filled!!

Oh my, am I busy!

I am running around like a crazy woman trying to get things done! I went to pack Ava and Sam and they didn't have enough clothes for even the time in China! Back to the store I go!

I may have already said this but Hubby, Sarah and I will be traveling. Emma, Ellie and Anna (and Johnny) will be staying at home with a friend/ sitter. They know Karen very well and love her. We anticipate things going pretty smoothly- other than everyone missing each other. I am sure we will have challenges as we transition back home with two new little ones.

No more matching clothes! Well maybe a little BUT very little! Just can't get myself that organized or spend the money! We are getting to the point where we are happy if we have gotten out of our jammies and into our clothes for the day, let alone matching.

Sarah is all packed. ME? you ask? that is a process! Hubby says he can be packed in less than two hours... I just want to know, how do they do that?

Over a month ago we thought we had the rooms all figured out. All the kids would sleep in one room and we would have another room designated as the boys room. But then we got side tracked- we wanted to move to a home and a yard that fit this family of ours. After a few declined offers we decided it just wasn't meant to be and we are once again clamoring to get the rooms done! It is a little this and that and that and this right now- I have some painting to get done like yesterday but hopefully they will look better soon!

Wish I could show you a finished room right now BUT I can't! Next week- hopefully!

About Me

Jim and I have been married for 33 plus years. He is the love of my life and my best friend! We have 5 older birth children and we are adding to our family through the blessings of adoption. We love the Lord Jesus and it is our mission to serve him. We have stumbled along the way but he continues to pick us up and send us on the journey he has planned for us. We are very thankful for that!

Email me!

I love to hear from bloggy readers! However, due to adopting so many treasures and homeschooling them it is challenging for me to find the time to email back. I will try but I can't guarantee I will be able to get back to you. This season will pass and in the future I look forward to being able to answer back! Thank you for your understanding!

jean.mulvahill@gmail.com

Friends to Share With!

Matt, Caitlin and Elodie(not pictured)

Matt (34 yrs old) and Caitlin were married on June 28th, 2014! They live and work in Denver, CO. Matt is working as a biostatistician for Denver Childrens Hospital. Caitlin is a special needs preschool teacher at one of the school districts in Denver. They have a precious little girl named Elodie!

Katie, Andrew, Emily and Ali (not pictured)

Katie (32 yrs) and Andrew were married on July 6th, 2012! They live in Alexandria, Virginia. They have two daughters, Emily 2.5 yrs and Ali 10 months old!

Billy and Kelly (not pictured)

Billy is 29 yrs old! He has his masters in accounting and works at a local accounting firm. Billy and Mark have a house about 15 miles away! It's so nice to have him nearby!

Mark

Mark is 27 yrs old. He is currently working on his masters in business through the Carlson School of Business. We are so happy he is finally living in the same city that we are in!

Johnny

Johnny is 24 yrs old. He is attending the University of St Thomas in St Paul, MN. He is playing for the Tommies soccer team!

Sarah Grace

Sarah is 17 yrs old. She came home in December 2008!

Emma Joy

Emma is 17 yrs old and came home in mid July 2010 along with her biological sister Ellie!

Ella Mei

Ellie is 15 yrs old and came home with her bio sister Emma in mid July 2010!

Mia Christine

Mia is 16 yrs old! She came home on February 2nd, 2013!

Ava Marie

Ava is 12 yrs old! She has been home since April 1st, 2011!

Melissa Faith

Melissa is 12 yrs old! She came home from China in early February 2013!

Abigail Elizabeth

Abby is 12 yrs old! She came home in December 2011!

Anna Violet

Anna is 11 yrs old. She has been home since August of 2007!

Benjamin David

Ben is 11 yrs old. He came home from China in early December 2013!

Samuel Jacob

Sam is 11 yrs old. He has been home since April 1st, 2011!

Madeline Mary

Madeline is 11 yrs old. She came home from China in early February 2013!

Joseph Michael

Joey is 9 yrs old! He came home with his new brother Ben this past December 2013!

Luke Lewis

Luke is 9 yrs old! He is our youngest! He came home in December 2011!

Quick Update On Us!

Hubby and I have 5 bio kids that are currently 21-31 yrs old. As our bio children were leaving the nest we felt called to serve our Lord through the blessings of adoption!

We have adopted 13 waiting children from China! Anna came home first on August 8th, 2007 (at 16 months). She is currently 9 yrs old! Sarah came home on December 5th, 2008 (at 8.5 yrs old). She is 15 yrs old now. Emma and Ellie came home on July 19th, 2010! They are bio sibs, and were 8 and 10 yrs old when they came home! They are now 14 and 12 yrs old. Next we brought home Sam at 4.5 yrs old and Ava Marie at 5.5 yrs old at the time of their adoption. They came home on April 1st, 2011 and are now 8.5 yrs and 10 yrsold.! Both of the kids are from Henan Province.

On our 5th adoption trip we journeyed to Abby and Luke. They came home at 5.5 and 3 yrs old. They have adjusted well! They are currently 9 and 6 years old!

We will traveled back to China for adoption trip #6 in January 2013. This time God blessed us with 3 lovely daughters from China! Mia is 12 years old, Melissa is 9 years old and Madeline is 8 years old now. We feel so very blessed to have these darling girls in our family!

Our 7th and last adoption trip to China was to bring home our two boys- Ben 7 yrs and Joseph 5 yrs. The boys are now 9 and 6.5 yrs old

We have had many many procedures and surgeries over the years, God has been so very kind and they have been amazingly successful!! We still have more surgeries in our future and we will rely on HIM and pray our way through.

Hubby and I are passionate about special needs adoption. We feel called to adopt and we are loving every minute of it! We are both in our mid to late 50's. We can't think of anything we would love to do more than what we are doing right now! We are thankful for this opportunity to enjoy these wonderful children!

We have chosen to home school our children from China. When adopting older children they really don't fit into one grade, they are combination of many grades (including 2nd in math but Pre-k in reading/phonics). We also feel like we missed out on so many years with our wonderful children, we don't want to miss out on any more! Plus it is great for attachment and bonding!!

If you are considering adoption feel free to email or message me with any questions you may have!